Papal Election of Clement VII and Schism Begins

September 20th, 1378

September 20th, 1378

Papal Election of Clement VII and Schism Begins
How Long Ago?

646 years, 5 months, 23 days ago

Location

Rome, Italy

Category

Religion & Philosophy

People
  • Cardinal Robert of Geneva
  • Pope Urban VI
Links & References
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Papal Election of Clement VII and Schism Begins

Cardinal Robert of Geneva was elected Pope Clement VII, marking the beginning of the Western Schism. This election was held in Rome amid great social and political upheaval in the church, as rival factions vied for control over the papacy. The election led to a significant split within Christianity, with multiple claimants to the papacy emerging, each supported by different political entities across Europe. Clement VII's election represented a climax of tensions that had been brewing for decades, exacerbated by the Avignon Papacy and the dissatisfaction with the papal authority.

Clement VII was elected amid church disputes.

The schism lasted for decades impacting Europe.

Urban VI rejected Clement's legitimacy immediately.

Major European powers chose sides in the schism.

What Happened?

The election of Cardinal Robert of Geneva as Pope Clement VII in 1378 marked the onset of the Western Schism, a critical period of division within the Roman Catholic Church. The conclave was convened following the death of Pope Urban VI, whose harsh reforms and aggressive demeanor had alienated many cardinals. In a move prompted by dissatisfaction with Urban, a group of cardinals lodged their protest and sought to elect a new pope more in line with their preferences. The election culminated in the selection of Robert of Geneva, a candidate who embodied a more conciliatory approach that favored a return to Avignon, where several popes had resided prior to the return to Rome.Clement VII's papacy ignited immediate controversy as Urban VI refused to recognize the new pope's legitimacy, leading to a schism that divided Western Christendom. Urban VI continued his papacy in Rome, while Clement VII established his court in Avignon, each gaining the support of different political factions within Europe. Major kingdoms, including France and England, aligned themselves with one of the two popes, further complicating the sovereign and ecclesiastical landscape of Europe. The schism extended for several decades, with various popes and antipopes arising in succession, reflecting the ongoing struggle for authority and legitimacy within the church.This division had profound implications, not only for the church's unity but also for the socio-political dynamics of medieval Europe. Multiple rival claims to the papacy led to fragmented loyalties among Christian kingdoms, intensifying regional tensions and altering alliances. The persistent schism also contributed to a profound questioning of papal authority, setting the stage for future reform movements and laying the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.

Why Does it Matter?

The election of Clement VII and the ensuing papal schism are significant as they illustrate the fractures within medieval Christendom and the challenges to papal authority. The schism exacerbated political conflicts, shaping alliances and rivalries among European powers for generations. This context of divided loyalty contributed to emerging reformist ideas that questioned the structure and function of the Church, ultimately leading to the Reformation and significant changes in the religious landscape of Europe.

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